Test on Blowhole/Wave Power Generation Starts

An experimental study on blowhole wave electrical power generation is set to being on the Echizen Shore facing the Sea of Japan, Fukui Prefecture. This is one of 23 projects adopted during fiscal 2012 with funds from the Ministry of the Environment for developing and testing technologies to prevent global warming. The project will be conducted for three years from 2012 by Associate Professor Makoto Iida, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo.

Blowholes are naturally formed in seaside rock through wave erosion. Seawater is blown up through blowholes by pressure from the waves. In the experimental system, holes will be excavated artificially into seaside rock bed, and a turbine will be turned with the up and down movement of air in the hole, which is associated with wave movement, to generate electricity.

In contrast to other wave power generation systems, the new system requires no air pressure stabilization and thus no large artificial construction. The new system can coexist with nature, can be built with low economic and environmental costs, and will be resistant to disasters such as tsunamis. The output is expected to be about 20 kilowatts.

According to the time table, appropriate seashore site locations will be investigated in Echizen-cho, environmental assessment will be conducted and turbine will be developed and basically engineered in 2012, the construction will be started in 2013, and the test will be started in 2014.

Related JFS article:
Japanese Firm Begins Development of Tidal Power Generation System
Tokyo Gov't Sets up Committee to Study Feasibility of Wave Power Generation